The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountains

The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountain range is the highest in South Africa and offers incredible natural beauty and a wealth of recreational activities. Because of its range of plant life and the richest collection of San rock paintings in Africa, it has been declared a World Heritage Site.

Did you know?

The Drakensberg is home to rare birds like the bearded vulture and bald ibis.

The spectacular and ancient uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountain range is Southern Africa's highest range, peaking at 3 475 metres and stretching for more than 1 000km from northeast to southwest across the landscape.

In Zulu the range is known as uKhahlamba, meaning 'barrier of spears', which does justice to its dramatic basalt buttresses. Early settlers called it the Drakensberge, because they believed it resembled a dragon's back.

One of the country's premier attractions, the Drakensberg range offers panoramic views from its higher reaches, attracting hikers, mountaineers, abseilers, parasailers and skieers to its game reserves and parks.

The Drakensberg is historically divided into the southern, central and northern 'Berg', with major landmarks such as Cathedral Peak, Cathkin Peak, Mont-aux-Sources, Monk's Cowl, the Amphitheatre, Sani Pass and Champagne valley making it easier to negotiate.

Geologically the mountain comprises a sandstone layer covered by a 1 400-metre-thick basalt layer. This make-up has created hundreds of caves and overhangs where the ancient San people, who roamed freely in the region some 4 000 years ago, have left their mark in the form of more than 30 000 paintings in an estimated 600 caves.

The mountains are also home to a large number of threatened and endemic plants such as the protea, cycad, cabbage tree, tree fern, and giant yellowwood, along with flowers including lilies, lion’s tail, helicrysum, erica, agapanthus, watsonia, and the red hot poker.

More than 300 bird species recorded here range from the tiny greater double-collared sunbird to large raptors like the eagle, buzzard and vulture.

The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, administered by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, is approximately two hours' drive from Durban and the Indian Ocean. It lies within the Drakensberg mountain range in KwaZulu-Natal province and is a world-class ecotourism centre. The park was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2000 and spans 150km over 243 000 hectares of land.

You'll marvel at the 'Berg's' towering cliffs, unspoilt forests, soaring peaks and rich animal life, including eagle and eland. Swim in crystal clear rivers, explore the area by mountain bike or simply chill and enjoy the glorious vistas. Accommodation is plentiful and ranges from basic to luxurious.

Travel tips & Planning info

Who to contact

Best time to visit

Spring (September, October and November) as well as autumn (March, April and May) are very good months with stable weather. Summer is characterised by dramatic thundershowers, and in winter it can get very cold with snow.

Modal title

Email address

Full name

Twitter handle

Blogger's website

Your chance of being chosen as a #MeetSouthAfrica blogger will be much higher if you create a social profile on Webfluential - this allows us to see just how influential you are. Click submit to continue to Webfluential

Email Address *

Full name *

Company name *

For your travel company to be part of the #MeetSouthAfrica Blogger trips, you need to be registered on the South African Travel Directory. If you are, well done! If not, please register your company. You will be redirected as soon as you click submit.